Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. The devastating injuries, hefty medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and psychological distress can leave victims and their families reeling. If you have been injured in a truck accident in Apex, North Carolina, you need a skilled and compassionate Apex truck accident lawyer on your side.
At Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys, our team has the knowledge, experience, and determination to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. We understand the immense challenges you are facing, and we are here to guide you through the legal process with personalized attention and unwavering support. Our Apex truck accident attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling complex truck accident cases and securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
The Dangers of Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks, including tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, tankers, and other large freight vehicles, pose unique dangers on the road due to their massive size and weight. When fully loaded, a big rig can weigh over 20 times more than the average passenger vehicle. This size disparity means that when trucks collide with smaller vehicles, the results are often catastrophic. Occupants of passenger vehicles commonly suffer severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, crushed or amputated limbs, internal organ damage, and more.
Tragically, many truck accident victims do not survive. Those who do are often left with permanent disabilities and a lifetime of pain and struggles. The emotional toll on victims and their loved ones cannot be overstated. If you have been involved in a truck accident in Apex, NC, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled truck accident attorney who can help you deal with and get through the complicated legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
While some truck crashes are caused by factors like inclement weather or poor road conditions, the vast majority are the result of negligence. Some of the leading causes of preventable truck accidents include:
- Truck driver fatigue from spending too many hours behind the wheel
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding, tailgating, and other aggressive driving behaviors
- Poorly maintained trucks with faulty brakes, bald tires, broken lights, etc.
- Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo
- Insufficient truck driver training and experience
- Negligent hiring of unqualified or dangerous drivers
In many cases, the cargo loader, truck manufacturer, trucking company, or other third parties may share liability for the crash along with the truck driver. Determining fault requires a thorough independent investigation from an experienced Apex truck accident attorney. At Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys, we have the resources and expertise to uncover all potentially liable parties and hold them accountable for their negligence. We will leave no stone unturned in pursuing justice on your behalf.
North Carolina Contributory Negligence Laws
North Carolina is one of the few states that still follows the archaic legal rule of contributory negligence. Under this harsh rule, if a person is established to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they are prevented from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies take advantage of this by trying to shift blame onto the victim in any way possible.
Having worked with one of North Carolina’s largest law firms as a defense attorney, the attorneys at Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys have an insider’s perspective on these tactics. We know how to fight back against them and protect your rights. We will work diligently to gather evidence showing the truck driver and other parties were 100% at fault for your injuries. Our extensive experience on the insurance side of these cases gives us a unique advantage in anticipating and countering their arguments. We will not let them unfairly deny you the compensation you are rightfully owed under the law.
Why You Need an Apex Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident claims are highly complex for many reasons:
- There are often multiple at-fault parties and insurance companies involved
- Trucking companies have robust legal teams on their side, ready to deny liability
- There are state and federal trucking regulations that may have been violated
- Evidence needs to be preserved quickly before it is lost or destroyed
To protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful outcome, you need an Apex truck accident lawyer with specific experience handling commercial vehicle claims. At Horton & Mendez, we thoroughly understand all the tricky legal aspects involved in these cases. We will thoroughly investigate the crash, gather key evidence, interview witnesses, review truck driver logs and company records, consult with experts, and explore all potential sources of compensation. We aim to build the strongest possible case on your behalf and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. We will not rest until justice is served and you can move forward with your life.
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a truck accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses related to the crash
- Mental torture due to the accident
- Physical pain
- Lost wages
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one
While no amount of money can undo the trauma you have experienced, a successful claim can provide vital resources to help you move forward and begin rebuilding your life. You should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s reckless actions. Let an Apex truck accident lawyer fight to hold all responsible parties accountable. At Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys, we will work closely with you to understand the full extent of your damages and to ensure that your claim reflects the true impact the accident has had on your life. We will fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation possible on your behalf.
Steps to Take After an Apex Truck Accident
The aftermath of a truck crash is chaotic and overwhelming, but the steps you take can have a significant impact on your health, well-being, and legal rights. If possible, try to do the following:
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. Follow your doctor’s care plan.
- Collect contact and insurance information from the truck driver and other motorists involved.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and anything else that may help your claim.
- Get contact information for any eyewitnesses who saw what happened.
- Notify your own insurance company that you were in an accident.
- Before speaking to any insurance adjusters or representatives for the trucking company, call an experienced Apex truck accident attorney to protect your rights.
- Keep copies of your medical bills, auto repair estimates, pay stubs showing missed work, and any other documentation of your damages.
- Stay off social media, and do not post anything about the accident or your injuries online.
If you are unable to gather this information at the scene due to the severity of your injuries, do not worry. The skilled attorneys at Horton & Mendez will immediately launch an investigation to secure all available evidence to support your claim. The most important thing is to focus on your health and recovery while we handle the legal heavy lifting.
Keep in mind that in the immediate moments after a truck accident, your insurance company might try reaching out and offering an early settlement. We warn you against accepting such offers because they may be way lower than what you are entitled to.
Contact an Apex, NC, Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Apex or the surrounding area, do not try to take on the trucking and insurance companies alone. Contact the skilled Apex truck accident lawyers at Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story with empathy, explain your legal options, and fight tenaciously for the justice and compensation you are owed.
With decades of combined experience and a track record of successful results, we are the advocates you want in your corner during this difficult time. Our attorneys are proud to serve truck accident victims in Apex and throughout North Carolina. Call us now at 910-507-3876 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help. We look forward to making a difference for you and your family.
